VIES is not a central database
VIES queries national VAT databases when a check is made. Some member-state data can be unavailable, delayed, or returned in different formats.
Independent EU VAT validation tool
Check an EU VAT number in VIES
Validate EU VAT IDs against the European Commission's VIES service and see whether a business is currently registered for intra-EU transactions.
Check EU VAT status
Real-time VIES lookup with plain-English error handling.
Invalid does not always mean typo
A number can be missing, inactive for cross-border trade, or not yet finalised in a national registry. Ask the customer to verify with their tax office when needed.
Keep validation records
The official guidance recommends keeping track of validations in case of tax control. This MVP does not retain your VAT numbers.